Pontiac Women of Growth organization hosts fund-raiser

By Erin Hampton, Special to The Okaland Press

Monday, June 23, 2014

The Women of Growth have been uplifting and inspiring women of Pontiac for 20 years, and with the passing of their beloved founder, Mrs. Motiryo Robertson, in January, the group plans to carry on her dreams and vision.

On Friday, June 27 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Antoinette’s Urban Chic, 100 N Saginaw in Downtown Pontiac, Women of Growth will host “A Night to Remember”, a fund-raiser allowing their organization to continue their many efforts and programs.

The night will be an event to remember Robertson, who founded the organization in her living room when she was 19 years old, and experience her continued vision.

“She was a light of love for these women and she poured it out like an angel,” said Robertson’s cousin and co-chair, Melissa Washington Davis. “She laid such a good foundation that we can go forth and carry on what she started.”

The event will have shopping, silent auctions, outdoor entertainment, a strolling fashion show, a 50/50 raffle and light refreshments with the offer of a $10 donation.

More than raising money for the organization, Davis said they also want to bring helping hands of the community together.

“We just want to expose Women of Growth a little more and be able to network with different organizations in the community who are trying to do the same thing,” said Davis. “We can then collaborate, come together and really get our women lifted up.”

Robertson’s aunt and co-chair Carolyn Abcumby said that women who attend this event will feel the strong support from Women of Growth.

“We want them to know that we are here and here for them and the community,” said Abcumby. “We want to help bring Pontiac back by lifting its women up.”

Davis said that Women of Growth strives to build self esteem, motivate, and give hope to women while giving them the resources to do so.

“No matter what has happened to you, we want you to know that there is hope,” said Davis.

Davis said that the organization has founded many campaigns for women of Pontiac that deal with domestic violence, mental and physical health, moral development and much more. They have weekly prayer conference calls in which hundreds of women around the country call in and seek advice and inspiration.

Yolanda Walker, Owner of Antoinette’s Urban Chic, said that she is honored to host the Women of Growth fund-raiser.

“I have had an opportunity to witness these events and it was so impactful,” said Walker. “I want to be able to assist them in that effort to carry on her (Robertson) dreams.”

She added that her store will give 20 percent of its proceeds from the event to the organization and that she is excited for the event.

“It’s just going to be relaxed and a lot of fun while raising money so that this organization can continue its good programs,” said Walker.